Method and apparatus for controlled release of guy wires

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for the controlled release of guy wires includes a clamping device that grips and releases each wire and a control system so that individual guy wires can be selectively released at controlled times.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of guyed structures, such as for example, antenna towers. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for selectively releasing the guys at a specific times in order to provide for controlled falling of the guyed structures, for example, to accomplish the demolition of the guyed structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A variety of guyed structures, such as for example antenna towers are widely used in industry. In one type of tower it is common to have a tall linear truss-type tower that rests on a narrow base of the truss which may be no eider then the remainder of the truss. Such a tower is held in its vertical orientation by a number of angled guy wires which typically attach near or at the top of the tower and angle outwardly and downwardly to a lower end that is anchored to the ground. The number of guy wires may be three or more, and the guys are typically arranged at relatively even angular intervals around the tower.

[0003] Guyed towers such as antenna towers have many desirable properties. For example, such towers can be resistant to cross-winds by virtue of restraining force of the guys, without needing a large base area. Moreover, the tower in many instances can be more light weight and easier to install than a free standing tower.

[0004] When it is desired to remove or demolish the guyed tower, it has been known to sever or release the guy wires in order to let the tower fall over from its base until it is resting horizontally on the ground for removal. Especially due to the typical height of the towers, it is often desirable to be able to control the direction in which the tower will fall. For example, in many instances there will be buildings, existing equipment, or areas of terrain in which it is desired that the tower not fall.

[0005] Guy wires are typically connected to some form of anchor structure. Releasing the guys from the anchor structure has conventionally been done by effectively cutting the guy by one of several means, including, but not limited to, cutting by mechanical means, cutting by a high temperature torch, or using explosives. Moreover, as is noted above, there are situations in which it is desired that the tower fall in a relatively in a well controlled manner so that it falls in a predetermined direction and avoids damage to other nearby structures or landscape.

[0006] Accomplishing control of the falling direction of the tower can be accomplished at least to a great extent by controlling the sequence of timing of release of the guy wires. One approach to achieving the timed release of specific guyed wires in a specific order has been to use explosive charges at the anchors of each of the guys. This provides the benefit that the explosive charges can be controlled remotely from a central location, and therefore explosives can tend to provide better timing than attempting a manual severing using personnel with hand tools located at each guy wires. However, there are disadvantages to using explosive charges, which includes the fact that in some locations the use of explosives may not be permitted because of safety or environmental reasons.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a non-explosive apparatus and method for the controlled timed release of guy wires. It is also desirable to have such a system that provides for the controlled falling and demotion of guyed structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus and method for the controlled timed release of guy wires is providing which is useful for the controlled falling and demolition of guyed structures.

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for releasably securing a guy wire of a guyed structure to an anchor that anchors the guy wire, features a clamp assembly that releasably clamps to the guy wire; and actuator that actuates the clamp assembly to clamp onto the guy wire and to release the guy wire; and a controller that controls the actuator to selectively clamp and release the guy wire.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a system for releasably securing a guy wire of a guyed structure to an anchor that anchors the guy wire, features means for releasably clamping to the guy wire, means for actuating the clamp assembly to clamp onto the guy wire and to release the guy wire; and means for controlling the actuator to selectively cause clamping and releasing of the guy wire.

[0011] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for releasably securing a guy wire of a guy structure to an anchor that anchors the guy wire, includes providing a clamp assembly that releasably clamps to the guy wire; and actuating the clamp assembly to selectively clamp onto the guy wire and to release the guy wire.

[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0014] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposed of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an apparatus for releasing guy wires according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and illustrating a hydraulic line and its connection to a releasable clamp on one guy wire.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a detailed side view showing a releasable clamp for connecting a guy wire to an anchor shackle.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a plan view showing one half of a clamp piece used to connect a guy wire to the anchor shackle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention provides in some embodiments a non-explosive apparatus and method for the controlled timed release of guy wires, which is useful for the controlled falling and demolition of guyed structures.

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a hydraulic system used in the present invention and its connection to one guy wire. The illustrated apparatus 10 includes a hydraulic pump 12 for supplying hydraulic pressure to the system. The hydraulic pump 12 may be manual or may be power operated.

[0020] The hydraulic pump 12 provides pressurized hydraulic fluid through a pressure line 14 to a supply manifold 16. The supply manifold 16 is illustrated as having four outlet ports each denoted 17. Each port 17 corresponds to a single guy wire. If the guyed structure has fewer than four guy wires, for example three, then one ore more of the ports 17 is shut off and unused. If the guyed structure has more than four guy wires, a manifold having the appropriate number of corresponding ports can be used.

[0021] For each of the ports 17 corresponding to a guy wire, the guy wire is held by pressure being supplied through a check valve 18 to a remotely actuated solenoid valve 19. When the solenoid valve 19 is in a position where the guy wire is secured, pressure is supplied through a pressure line 20 and can be monitored by a pressure gage 22. The hydraulic pressure through the pressure line 20 is provided to a clamping mechanism 24 which effectively holds the guy wire 26 and connects it to a shackle 27. The shackle 27 is connected via an anchor wire 28 (and if desired some other form of termination hardware 30) to an anchor 32 which is anchored to the ground or another support structure.

[0022] The operation of the clamp assembly 24 is such that when sufficient pressure is supplied to the clamp 24, it grips the guy wire 26 near the free end of the guy wire 26. The clamp 24 is mechanically attached to the shackle 27 so that it effectively holds the guy wire 26 to the anchor wire 26.

[0023] The clamp assembly 24 is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates that the clamp assembly 24 includes a C-clamp arrangement 34 that includes an hydraulic actuator clamp portion 35 and opposed clamping fingers 36. When pressure is supplied by the pressure line 20, the hydraulic actuator 35 causes the opposed fingers 36 to clamp together towards each other in the directions A to provide an opposed force onto a pair of opposed grips 40 and 42.

[0024] The grips 40 and 42 face each other. The grip 40 has an gripping portion 44 and the grip 42 has an gripping portion 46 that is opposed and symmetrical to the gripping portion 42. The grip 40 also has a connection plate 48, and the grip 42 has a symmetrically opposed connection plate 50. The gripping portions 44 and 46 are attached to their respective connection plates 48 and 50 by a suitable attachment means such as for example by being welded or integrally manufactured. A bolt 51 passes through the connection plates 48 and 50 and also passes through the shackle 27 to attach the clamping arrangement 24 to the shackle 27.

[0025] Turning to FIG. 3, one of the grips 40 is illustrated in plan view. The grip portion 44 has a longitudinal groove 52 that is sized to frictionally engage and hold on to the guy wire 26 when clamped against the opposed clamping member 42. The width of the groove 52 is preferably slightly less than the overall diameter of the guy wire being gripped, and the depth of the groove 52 is preferably slightly less than half of the diameter of the guy wire 26 being gripped, so that the two opposed clamped grips 40 and 42 when compressed together form a channel slightly smaller in width than the diameter of the guy wire 26 being gripped. The channel is preferably oval or elliptical in cross section. This provides some compressive force on the guy wire and can provide sufficient friction to grip and hold the guy wire securely. Although an oval or elliptical channel is preferred, it is also possible to use opposed triangular channels or other shapes of channels, such as channels having ribs or other internal texturing.

[0026] Returning to FIG. 2, the guy wire 26 extends through the channel formed by the opposing grooves 52 of the grips 40 and 42 and projects out the other side of the grips 40 and 42 towards the shackle 27. The free end of the guy wire 26 will project out past the gripping portions 44 and 46 via a distance D.

[0027] Returning now to FIG. 1, the operation of the overall system will be further explained. When it is desired to release a guy, such as for example, the illustrated guy wire 26, a user interfaces with a control panel 60 provided on a controller 62. The control panel 60 can have momentary push button switches 64 that are pressed in a desired sequence by the user in order to release individual guys at substantially the time each push button switch 64 is pushed. Simultaneous release of multiple guys can be achieved by pressing multiple push button switches 64 on the control panel 60 simultaneously.

[0028] A communication cable 66 runs from the controller 62 to each of the solenoids 19. Although in FIG. 1 only one communication cable 66 and one solenoid 19 are illustrated, it will be appreciated that in a typical system a number of solenoids 19 will be provided and can each be individually controlled by the controller 62 via one or more communication cables 66. Although an electrical wire is preferred as the communication cable 66, other cables or communication systems such as wireless radio communication can alternatively be used to communicate between the controller 62 and each solenoid valve 19.

[0029] When a signal to release a solenoid valve is sent through the communication cable 66, the solenoid valve 19 will release the pressure in the line 20 and redirect the pressure via a return line 70 to a return manifold 72. Hydraulic fluid from the return manifold 72 is free to pass through a return line 74 back through a vented fill cap 76 to the hydraulic pump 12. A hydraulic filter may be added to the return line 74 at or near its correction to the pump 12 to keep the hydraulic fluid clean. FIG. 1 illustrates only one return line 70, since only one solenoid valve 19 is illustrated, but it will be appreciated that for each guy wire being controlled, there will be a separate solenoid 19 valve having its own return line 70 leading to the manifold 72.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, when the controller 62 sends a signal to release the pressure, and the solenoid valve 19 releases the pressure in the line 20, the clamping assembly 24 will release its hold on the guy wire 26. More specifically, the hydraulic actuator 35 will release the opposed clamping force on the clamping fingers 36, which will release the opposed clamping force between the grip elements 40 and 42. This will release their frictional hold on the guy wire 26 and the guy wire 26 will pass freely out of the clamping device 24.

[0031] The elapsed time from the sending of the signal from the controller 62 to the actual physical release of the guy wire 26 can be quite short, and in some embodiments can be for example less than 40 milliseconds. This provides the benefit that two guy wires can be released virtually simultaneously if desired in some embodiments. As described above, the controller 62 may be operated simply by actuating push buttons 64 on the control panel 60 when release of the guy wire is desired. Alternatively, the controller 62 can include a programmable CPU-based device with an internal timer that can release selected individual guy wires according to a preprogrammed timing arrangement. The controller 62 is preferably connected to a power supply 80 as illustrated or may be battery operated.

[0032] It will be appreciated some embodiments of the present invention provide for the remote release of guy wires from their anchors with a controlled sequence. The clamp assemblies 24 are preferably installed when the tower is erected, and at the time of guy wire release for demolition purposes there is no need for individual personnel to necessarily be present at the anchor point of each guy wire. Thus, the system can in some embodiments provide the benefits of enhanced safety, reduced manpower, also the avoidance of the use of explosives which may be undesirable in some circumstances. Moreover, the system can be employed while leaving in place a conventional release system (such as release system 30 illustrated in FIG. 1) to provide a backup release system.

[0033] Although an example of the device is discussed in the context of an antenna tower, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention can be useful with other guyed structures, such as for example, tents or suspended structures.

[0034] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended clams to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for releasably securing a guy wire of a guyed structure to an anchor that anchors the guy wire, the system comprising: a clamp assembly that releasably clamps to the guy wire; an actuator that actuates the clamp assembly to clamp onto the guy wire and to release the guy wire; and a controller that controls the actuator to selectively clamp and release the guy wire.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a hydraulic clamp.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a hydraulic system that selectively applies pressure to the clamp assembly.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the hydraulic system further comprises a pump, a solenoid valve, and a pressure line from the solenoid valve to the clamp.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of clamp assemblies each associated with a respective guy wire.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, when the clamp assembly comprises: a hydraulic clamp; and a pair of opposed grip plates each having a first feature defined thereon to frictionally engage the guy wire and a second feature defined thereon to permit attachment to an anchor.
 7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the opposed grip plates are urged together by the actuator to clamp the guy wire.
 8. A system for releasably securing a guy wire of a guyed structure to an anchor that anchors the guy wire, the system comprising: means for releasably clamping to the guy wire; means for actuating the clamp assembly to clamp onto the guy wire and to release the guy wire; and means for controlling the actuator to selectively cause clamping and releasing of the guy wire.
 9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the clamping means comprises a hydraulic clamp.
 10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the actuating means further comprises means for selectively applying pressure to the clamping means.
 11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the pressure applying means further comprises a pump, a solenoid valve, and a pressure line from the solenoid valve to the clamping means.
 12. A system according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of clamping means each associated with a respective guy wire.
 13. A system according to claim 1, wherein the clamping means comprises a hydraulic clamping and a pair of opposed gripping means.
 14. A system according to claim 13, wherein each gripping means has a first feature defined thereon to frictionally engage the guy wire and a second feature defined thereon to permit attachment to the anchor.
 15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the opposed gripping means are urged together by the clamping means.
 16. A method for releasably securing a guy wire of a guy structure to an anchor that anchors the guy wire, the method comprising the steps of: providing a clamp assembly that releasably clamps to the guy wire; and actuating the clamp assembly to selectively clamp onto the guy wire and to release the guy wire.
 17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of remotely controlling the actuating step at a remote location from the clamp assembly.
 18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the actuating step comprises supplying and releasing hydraulic pressure to the clamp.
 19. A method according to claim 16, wherein the clamping and actuating steps are performed for each of a plurality of respective guy wires.
 20. A system according to claim 16, wherein the actuating step comprises urging a pair of opposed grip plates together to grip the guy wire. 